Podcasting

**Technology Standards**
Standard 2.0 – Digital Citizenship: Demonstrate an understanding of the history of technology and its impact on society, and practice ethical, legal, and responsible use of technology to assure safety B. Legal and Ethical Issues 1. Practice responsible and appropriate use of technology systems, software, and information b) Work cooperatively and collaboratively with others when using technology in the classroom d) Demonstrate proper care of equipment (such as following lab rules, handling equipment with care)

=**Summary of Podcast 1( Student Example): Book Review**=

The students share book reviews of books that they have read at home and/or at school. After listening to the reviews, the other students in the class give their reactions, ask questions about the book. Two teachers also encourage the students to keep up the good work that they're doing.

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=**Summary of Podcast 2 (Teacher Example): Write in Detail**=

March 2009 After carefully examining 4 pictures, the students write the story that the pictures tell. This is an activity which will help the students prepare for LAS Links. The writing rubric for Grades 2 & 3 is also included in the presentation.

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=**Reflection:**= This is wonderful way for the students to interact with each other. Modifying lessons for such a diverse group of students is no mean feat, but with this technology, it is really easy to modify the content, the process, and/or the product (written or spoken). Older ESOL students tend to prefer writing over speaking as they are reminded every day by their peers of their "strange" accents. Younger language learners who were born here in the U.S. on the other hand, prefer speaking, as they have yet to master reading and writing. Hearing themselves speak is also a form of feedback for my students. Year after year, I feel that next to the writing component of LAS Links, listening is something that is very challenging especially for the ELLs in Grades 4 & 5. In the regular classrooms, directions are often repeated or paraphrased and supported by visual information. During the exam, students will only hear stories and directions once. I have searched for materials that will help me prepare the students, but the recorded stories or books that I have found are often too long. With podcasting, I can gradually start coming up with several activities that will serve my purpose.

When we did this, my students were so thrilled that the next day, they actually sought me out (I was on breakfast duty) to ask if were going to do the activity again.

Downside: It was a challenge to record responses; one never knows when somebody from the front office is going to make an announcement or when the phone is going to ring.